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Traveling from Olympia, Washington, to Vancouver is a cinch thanks to Amtrak's Cascade train route. You only need to decide which Vancouver -- the U.S. city, or the much larger Canadian city -- you want to visit. Vancouver, Washington, about 100 miles south of Olympia, is a mid-sized city surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cascade Mountains and Columbia River. Vancouver, Canada, is about 200 miles north of Olympia, in the province of British Columbia. It also is known for its abundant natural resources, outdoor activities and all the culture a major world-class city has to offer.

Amtrak Cascades Train

The Amtrak Cascade train line, which starts in Eugene, Oregon, can get you to both Vancouver, Washington and Vancouver, Canada from Olympia. The Canadian Vancouver is the last stop on the route. Although you can purchase a ticket at the Amtrak train station in Olympia, it's a good idea to purchase it in advance, either online or over the phone with Amtrak, to ensure yourself a seat. You have the option of a coach or business class seat. Business class offers wider seats with more legroom, priority boarding and complimentary newspapers.

Getting to the Station

Make your way to the Amtrak Olympia-Lacey Centennial Station in Lacey, Washington, about 7 miles from downtown Olympia. You can take local Intercity Transit buses to get you there. Buses 64, 66, 68 and 94 from downtown Olympia all arrive at the station within an hour. If you are driving, head south on Boulevard Road and make a right onto Yelm Highway, which will lead you straight to the station.

Olympia to Vancouver, Washington

Purchase a southbound ticket on the Amtrak Cascade line to go to Vancouver, Washington. There are at least four southbound trains daily that take an hour and 40 minutes from Olympia. The train arrives at the downtown Amtrak station in Vancouver. From there, it is easy to get around, either by cab or by using the local bus service, C -Tran.

Olympia to Vancouver, Canada

Purchase a northbound train ticket on the Amtrak Cascade line to go to Vancouver, Canada. There is only one direct train daily between the two cities and the trip takes a little over six hours. Three other Amtrak Cascades trains go to Seattle, Washington, where you can transfer to an Amtrak bus to take you the rest of the way to Vancouver. Because you are crossing the border into Canada, you will need to bring a valid U.S. passport. Other acceptable forms of identification include a U.S. NEXUS card, an enhanced driver's license, a military ID or an American Indian card. The train or bus will bring you right to Vancouver's downtown train station, serviced by buses going to all parts of the city.

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About the Author

Based in Los Angeles, Zora Hughes has been writing travel, parenting, cooking and relationship articles since 2010. Her work includes writing city profiles for Groupon. She also writes screenplays and won the S. Randolph Playwriting Award in 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in television writing/producing and a Master of Arts Management in entertainment media management, both from Columbia College.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

Images related to Vancouver

Olympia, Washington Collage

From top left, Downtown Vancouver from the southern shore of False Creek, totem poles in Stanley Park, University of British Columbia campus, Lions Gate Bridge, Millenium Gate in Chinatown, boats on the harbour, and Granville Island, in Vancouver.